How many dran plugs should I have?

[Bob on This Too]

I am winterizing my '04 SunDeck 5.0L MPI.
My mechanic says I should have drain plugs on the block port and stbd. I've been in there (as best I could) with flash lights, mirrors, and just feeling around with my hands..... and I cannot find any on the block. There is one on the thermostat housing (top) and one on the bottom in the front of the engine.
I pulled the bottom one and got at least 4 gallons of water out of it.
Could it be there are only the 2?
I am still trying to find an owners manual to download, so I don't have that available to me to look.
Thanks
Bob

 

[glocklt4]

Two quick questions on this.

1) I have blue plugs but flushed the motor with pink anti-freeze only. If you open the 3 drains and turn the motor over a few times does that guarantee that all the water that could freeze and damage the engine is out?

2) Why store with the prop down?

 

[glocklt4]

As you know there are no guarantee's in life. However, by opening the drains and turning the motor over, you are performing what the mercury directs and then some. The only hiccup could come if for some reason the drains were plugged by debries. I would feel comfortable that you have done all you can, other than filling the block with anti-freeze to prevent damage.

As for the prop, two reasons. First storing the drive down lets the drive drain. Second, the bellows are straight when the drive is down. If you store with the drive up, the bellows lose their elasticity after being in a bent condition for a prolonged period and will fail earlier than normal.

Great, thanks for the info. Next winter I think I may just drain the block and turn it over like this instead of the hassle with flushing pink anti-freeze.

Good point on the prop, though I store my boat dry on trailer. There is not enough room to the ground to lower the prop all the way. I have it about 2-3 inches off the ground though, and that's the best I can do... I guess I have to live with that.

 

[Maritime Matt]

Glock, lower your tongue jack or put the trailer wheels on some blocks. This will give you more clearance to drop the drive. Should be fine the way it is. Matt.